Rackets
The racket technology has changed a lot the past 25 years, and the advanced technology has contributed to more speed and power in badminton. This also means that we as racket manufacturers have to make even better rackets and always improve our racket technology. It would not be possible to use the old wooden rackets in today's speed and power game.
The trend has moved towards lighter rackets bringing the required speed into the game. On the other hand it is important to maintain a certain weight in the frame to produce the power which is also very much needed on court.
FZ FORZA is at the forefront when it comes to badminton racket technology, and this year’s racket collection is no exception.
A racket can be divided into 3 separate parts which each contribute to the racket’s qualities.
The shaft determines the racket’s qualities, and so the choice of shaft is very important in terms of getting the most benefit from your racket. Players with a good technique have good rotation in their lower arm which transfers into a force at impact. If you rotate in your lower arm it is very easy for you to hit a shuttlecock to the baseline and you do not need further help from the racket. Players with a good technique would normally benefit from a rigid shaft, and players with less rotation would benefit from a flexible shaft.A flexible shaft gives a flick which adds speed to the shuttlecock, but it takes a bit longer for the shaft to settle which is okay if it is a slow-paced game. A rigid shaft is stable and doesn’t torque and gives better control of your stroke. This is especially helpful in fast-paced games.
The structure of the frame or racket head is important in relation to the force that has to be transferred to the shuttlecock from the rotation in the wrist and arm and the flexibility in the racket shaft. The less torsion in the frame – the more force will be transferred and the more control you have of your hit. The weight of the frame is also important for how the racket feels when hitting. A head-light racket has the weight distributed in the shaft and grip. It requires that your technique is good and that you have rotation and impact force. You will feel that your racket is very easy to move. A head-heavy racket primarily has its weight in the frame. It is best suited for a person that relies more on fitness, power and endurance than technique. You may feel that your racket is a bit slow to move, but it gives you extra power when hitting. A racket with an even balance has the weight distributed evenly between head and shaft. You will feel more power when hitting, but the racket is a bit slower to move.
The weight is also important to how your rackets perform. The force and power you generate is directly correlated with the weight of the racket. The heavier racket, the more force and power you will generate. Most normal weighted rackets are around 85-86 grams at the most heavy. Another part involved in generating force is acceleration. This means that you can also generate force if you can manage to accelerate the racket faster. A lighter racket helps with this. FZ FORZA has been on the forefront of the development in lighter rackets and have for years managed to make rackets all the way from 75 grams and up. Normally the lighter rackets are preferred by either less physical players, or players that focus more on speed andhandling.